Phillies execute historic triple play to secure victory against Tigers, first in nearly a century

The Philadelphia Phillies made a rare play on Monday in Detroit, turning a triple play during their 8-1 win over the Tigers at Comerica Park. This marked the first successful triple play in the league this season and the first one the Phillies had turned since 2017. It was also the first 1-3-5 triple play in Major League Baseball since 1929, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark. Interestingly, that triple play back in 1929 was also made by the Tigers in Detroit.

With the Phillies leading 4-0, Detroit’s Matt Vierling hit a line drive to Philadelphia pitcher Aaron Nola after breaking his bat in the third inning. Nola caught the ball for the first out, then threw it to first to get catcher Carson Kelly out as he ran toward second. With plenty of time to spare, the Phillies then threw to third base to complete the final out of the inning as shortstop Zach McKinstry sprinted home from third base. McKinstry appeared not to realize what had happened, as he crossed home plate before the Phillies threw to third base.

The Tigers missed a great opportunity to score and made some unfortunate history in the process. The Phillies quickly took a 4-0 lead with Bryce Harper hitting a two-RBI double in the first inning, followed by Alec Bohm’s two-run homer. They added three more runs in the sixth inning with Harper hitting a three-run home run. Bohm then hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to secure the seven-run win.

The win marked the Phillies’ third straight victory, bringing their record to 52-26. They entered the game with a significant seven-game lead in the NL East standings. In contrast, the Tigers have lost six of their last eight games and sit in fourth place in the AL Central.